Ask CVAS: If dogs could talk, we might regret it

Steely is a beautiful dilute tortie, medium-haired girl who came into the shelter pregnant and had a litter of kittens. Mom and babies went into foster care and now Steely is finished feeding her kittens, has been spayed and is looking for a home. She's super sweet and will make someone a great friend.(Photo11: Photo courtesy of CVAS)

Q: Do you think dogs wished they could talk in words? I swear, sometimes when I look at my boy he's got this expression on his face that says he knows what he wants to say, he just can't get the words out. Does that make sense?

A: You know, it actually does make sense. There are a lot of dogs I've met that have an intensity about their expressions that seem to say exactly what you have described. It's like they want to communicate so badly, but simply can't do it. I've also met some dogs (and cats!) who seem to actually try. There's a little terrier mix I take on walks from time to time and when I'm not getting ready as quickly as he would like, he barks at me. I just know he's saying, "Get a move on, lady! There's stuff to smell out there!" It's adorable. The interesting thing about animals in general is that while there are some dogs like the one I just mentioned, there are others that seem perfectly fine with our communication just the way it is. So when you ask, do dogs want to talk, I would have to say some of them sure seem like they would, while others, not so much. And, heavens, if cats could talk, we'd probably need a censor button on hand 24/7. I would be willing to bet some of my stinkers would say some terribly inappropriate stuff – if the looks they sometimes give me are anything to go by. I always wonder what our animals are really thinking, so thanks for the neat question!

Q: My dog is shedding like crazy and it's driving me mad! Can I shave him?

A: Any creature with hair can, physically, be shaved, but I should throw some words of caution your way first. If you're going to attempt to do this yourself, never, ever, under any circumstance use a straight razor or scissors, as they can cut far more than just the hair of your dog. The best bet is to get professional animal grooming clippers, which can be found at pet supply stores. Before doing it yourself, make sure your dog is complacent enough and not afraid of the sound of the clippers to make it safe. Razor burn can happen to our pets and it can be just as irritating for them as it is for us. If you don't feel comfortable, find a good groomer. Groomers have the equipment to cut an animal's hair right and make sure the animal comfortably stays in place while it's happening and we've got some great groomers in the area. Sometimes even a bath and a good "comb out" can help reduce shedding. Keep in mind that an animal's coat provides a buffer from the sun and insulation from the cold. If your dog spends a lot of time outside and he's shaved too short, he can suffer from sunburn or feel the cold in the winter. Also remember animals who shed will do so, regardless of the length of the hair. So you're pup's still going to lose hair, it just won't be as long as you're used to and probably won't show up as well on your furniture and carpet – but it'll still be there. In the end, consider all your options and be careful if you try it yourself.

Ask the Shelter is aimed at pet education. Jennifer Vanderau is the Director of Communications for the Cumberland Valley Animal Shelter and can be reached at cvascomm@cvas-pets.org or by calling 263-5791.

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